Medical support device, medical support system, and program

Abstract

To provide a diagnosis supporting device, a diagnosis supporting system, and a program that support an accurate diagnosis and an accurate description to a patient when an eye trouble is diagnosed.SOLUTION: In a diagnosis supporting system 1, a diagnosis supporting device 3 includes: a display unit 33 for displaying an image; an input unit 34 for inputting an instruction of a user; and a control unit 31 for receiving the instruction from the input unit 34 and controlling an image to be displayed in the display unit 33. The control unit 31 also exercises a control to display, in the display unit 33, an image of the eyes of a patient and a standard image of a dry eye in a comparable manner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medical assistance device, a medical assistance system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the number of patients complaining of eye discomfort has increased due to the aging population, the use of air conditioners, personal computers and smartphones, and the rise in the number of contact lens wearers. Examples of eye diseases that these patients suffer from include dry eye.

[0003] Dry eye is a disease in which tears become unstable due to various factors, causing eye discomfort, abnormalities in visual function, and sometimes even damage to the surface of the eye. Because the symptoms and causes are varied, it is difficult to distinguish from mere temporary discomfort, making it difficult for anyone other than an ophthalmologist to provide proper diagnosis and treatment.

[0004] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 7-136120 (Patent Document 1) discloses an ophthalmic device that can easily perform a simple diagnosis of dry eye and that can be configured simply and inexpensively. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-136120 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The ophthalmologic apparatus disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-136120 (Patent Document 1) is equipped with a video tape recorder that records color images of the patient's eyes, and after an ophthalmologist observes the recorded images, the examiner can display them on a monitor and explain them to the subject.

[0007] However, it is not easy for patients to understand what ophthalmic disease symptoms the images represent, and as a result, even when an ophthalmologist shows the images, patients tend to discontinue treatment because they do not realize the need for treatment or the effectiveness of treatment.

[0008] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been made to solve the above problems, and aim to provide a medical support device, a medical support system, and a program that support accurate diagnosis of ophthalmic diseases during medical examinations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present disclosure relates to a medical assistance device. The medical assistance device includes a display unit that displays images, an input unit that inputs user instructions, and a control unit that receives instructions from the input unit and controls the images to be displayed on the display unit. The control unit displays a patient image of a patient's eye and a typical image of dry eye on the display unit in a manner that allows them to be compared.

[0010] Preferably, the control unit controls the display unit to display a plurality of buttons corresponding to a plurality of types of dry eye symptoms, and to display a typical image of the symptom corresponding to a button selected by a user using the input unit and a patient image side by side.

[0011] More preferably, the plurality of buttons include reduced images of typical images corresponding to the plurality of types of symptoms, respectively, and when the reduced images are selected by the user, they are enlarged and displayed at the same magnification as the patient image.

[0012] Preferably, the control unit controls the display unit to display a plurality of buttons corresponding to a plurality of types of dry eye symptoms, and to display an explanation screen for the symptoms corresponding to a button selected by the user using the input unit from among the plurality of buttons.

[0013] Preferably, the patient image and the typical image are moving images, and the control unit controls the display unit to display a stopwatch alongside the patient image while the moving image of the patient image is being played back on the display unit, the stopwatch measuring the time from when the staining solution for the test is applied to the patient's eye until a portion of the tear film disappears.

[0014] More preferably, the stopwatch starts timing in response to a timing start command input by the user using the input unit during playback of the moving image of the patient image, and stops timing in response to a timing stop command.

[0015] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a medical assistance device including a display unit that displays images, an input unit that inputs user instructions, and a control unit that receives the instructions from the input unit and controls the images to be displayed on the display unit, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display multiple patient images of a patient's eyes in a comparable manner, the multiple patient images being captured at different times.

[0016] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a medical assistance device including a display unit that displays an image, an input unit that inputs a user's command, and a control unit that receives the command from the input unit and controls the image to be displayed on the display unit, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display a patient image obtained by photographing the patient's eye and a typical image of a healthy eye in a manner that allows them to be compared.

[0017] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a medical assistance system including any one of the medical assistance devices described above and a server that stores patient images, wherein the control unit is configured to read out the patient images from the server in response to an input from the input unit.

[0018] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a program for causing a computer to control a display unit that displays images and an input unit that inputs user instructions, the program causing the computer to receive an instruction from the input unit to identify a patient image of a patient's eye, and to display the patient image and a typical image of dry eye on the display unit in a manner that allows them to be compared.

[0019] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a program for causing a computer to execute control of a display unit that displays images and an input unit that inputs user instructions, wherein the program causes the computer to execute a process of receiving an instruction from the input unit to identify multiple patient images of a patient's eye, and a process of displaying the multiple patient images on the display unit in a manner that allows them to be compared.

[0020] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a program for causing a computer to execute control of a display unit that displays an image and an input unit that inputs a user's command, wherein the program causes the computer to execute a process of receiving a command from the input unit to identify a patient image obtained by photographing a patient's eye, and a process of displaying the patient image and a typical image of a healthy eye on the display unit in a manner that allows them to be compared. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the diagnosis support device of the present disclosure, a typical image of an ophthalmological disease and a patient image of a patient's eye are displayed on the display unit in a manner that allows comparison, thereby supporting the diagnosis of an ophthalmologist. Furthermore, when explaining symptoms to a patient, the patient can easily understand the necessity and effectiveness of treatment, thereby maintaining the patient's motivation to continue treatment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a medical support system. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a process of capturing a patient image in the examination device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a login screen of an application program executed by the inspection device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a default screen after login. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a patient image capturing screen in the examination device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a playback screen of a patient image in the examination device. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a patient image data upload screen in the examination device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display during uploading of a patient image. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display when uploading of a patient image is completed. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display when uploading has failed. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display when data for only one eye is uploaded. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a reproduction process of a patient image in the medical assistance device. [Figure 13] 10 is an example of a screen displaying a list of patient data. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of a video playback process. [Figure 15] 10 is a screen example for explaining a stopwatch function. [Figure 16] 16 is a modified example of the screen shown in FIG. 15. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of the video playback process. [Figure 18] 10 is an example of a screen when a typical image is selected. [Figure 19] 10 is an example of a screen displaying a patient image and a typical image side by side. [Figure 20] This is an example of a screen for explaining the diagnosis made by a doctor to a patient. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a third example of a video playback process. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a list screen of past data of a patient. [Figure 23] 10 is an example of a screen displaying the latest patient image and past patient images side by side. [Figure 24] 10 is an example of a screen displaying data of a healthy eye and a patient's eye in comparison. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a tally screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0024] [Overall composition] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a medical support system 1. The medical support system 1 shown in FIG.

[0025] The examination device 2 takes and records images of the patient's eye. The examination device 2 includes a control unit 21, a memory 22, a display unit 23, a communication unit 24, an input unit 25, a slit lamp 26, and a camera 27. The examination device 2 may be a dedicated examination device installed in an ophthalmology clinic or the like, but it can also be used as the examination device 2 by attaching a slit lamp to a smartphone or the like, for example.

[0026] Image data of the patient's eye captured by the examination device 2 is sent to the server 4 via the network 5. The server 4 stores the received image data. The network 5 may be wired or wireless, but is preferably wireless when using a smartphone as the examination device 2, for example. For example, in the case of dry eye, a staining solution for the examination is dropped into the eye for a vital staining test (such as the fluorescein method), and the examination device 2 captures video that can be used to diagnose tear volume tests such as Break Up Time (BUT).

[0027] The server 4 further stores typical images of ophthalmic diseases prepared in advance. For example, in the case of dry eye, the server 4 stores a plurality of typical images showing a plurality of types of tear film breakdown patterns on the cornea.

[0028] The diagnostic support device 3 includes a control unit 31, a memory 32, a display unit 33, a communication unit 34, and an input unit 35. The diagnostic support device 3 receives patient images of the patient's eyes from the server 4 at the communication unit 34 via the network 5. Typical images of ophthalmic diseases are stored in advance in the memory 32 as part of application software installed in the diagnostic support device 3. The typical images of ophthalmic diseases may also be acquired from the server 4. In response to a request from the input unit 35, the diagnostic support device 3 displays the patient image and the typical image in a manner that allows them to be compared.

[0029] The control units 21 and 31 may be, for example, CPUs (Central Processing Units). Each of the memories 22 and 32 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a non-volatile memory, a hard disk, etc. Each of the control units 21 and 31 deploys a program stored in the ROM into the RAM or the like and executes it. The program stored in the ROM is a program that describes the processing procedures of the examination device 2 or the medical assistance device 3. The control units 21 and 31 control the devices in the examination device 2 and the medical assistance device 3, respectively, in accordance with these programs. This control is not limited to processing by software, but can also be processed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

[0030] [Explanation of the inspection equipment] 2 is a flowchart for explaining the process of capturing a patient image in the examination device. First, in step S1, the control unit 21 requests the user to input a medical institution ID, a patient ID, and a patient name. For example, when an examination application program is launched from a smartphone, a login screen is displayed on the smartphone.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a login screen for an application program executed by the testing device. In the example of FIG. 3, an email address is used as the medical institution ID. To log in, the user is required to enter an email address and password in input fields 61 and 62. Tapping the login button 63 transitions to a registration screen for the patient's medical record number (not shown), and once the medical record number is entered, the screen on the display unit 23 then transitions to the default screen after login. In the following description, the medical record number is also referred to as the patient ID or medical record ID.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the default screen after logging in. When you tap the mark next to the area 64 that displays the clinic name of the currently logged-in account, a pull-down menu is displayed. The pull-down menu contains buttons for selecting FAQs to open on other screens, changing passwords, logging out, etc. The button 65 for selecting the left eye or right eye selects the left eye on the default screen.

[0033] Below button 65, an image display area 66 is displayed, and below that, the patient's medical record number 67 and patient name 68 are displayed, with buttons 69 and 70 displayed. Button 69 is a button for returning to the previous screen, such as the login screen. Button 70 is a button for uploading the selected image. Note that in FIG. 4, no image has been selected yet, so button 70 is displayed in a light shade so that it cannot be selected.

[0034] When an image has not yet been selected, tapping the image display area 66 causes the screen of the display unit 23 to transition to a patient image capture screen.

[0035] 2, following step S1, in step S2, a slit light is irradiated onto the patient's eye from the slit lamp 26, and a video of the patient's eye is taken. Prior to the video, a staining solution for examination, such as fluorescein, is instilled into the patient's eye.

[0036] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a patient image capture screen in an examination device. A symbol 71 indicating a button for switching the flash on and off is displayed at the top of the screen in Fig. 5, and an image of the patient's eye is displayed in an area 72 in the center of the screen. Below that, a symbol 73 indicating a shutter button and a character string 74 indicating "Cancel," which can be selected to cancel capture, are displayed. A character string 75 indicating the capture time is displayed below the area 72. The user selects the character string "Photo" when capturing a still image, and the character string "Video" when capturing a video.

[0037] Returning to FIG. 2 again, following step S2, in step S3, the user checks the captured video or still image, and in step S4, the user determines whether the checked video (or still image) can be used for diagnosis.

[0038] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a playback screen for a patient image in an examination device. A slider 76 that moves as the playback time of a moving image elapses is displayed at the top of the screen in Fig. 6, and a patient image (still image or moving image) is displayed in an area 77 in the center of the screen. Below the patient image, a symbol 79 for selecting playback of the moving image of this image and a character string 78 saying "retake" for selecting retaking the moving image are displayed.

[0039] By operating the slider 76, the image displayed in the area 77 can be changed to the image corresponding to the position of the slider 76. For example, it is preferable to be able to change the image in 0.1 second increments. When the character string 80 "Use Video" at the bottom of the area 77 is selected, the screen of the display unit 23 transitions to an upload screen so that the captured patient images can be uploaded.

[0040] In step S4, if there is a problem with the content of the video and the user inputs (selects character string 78) to re-take the video (or still image) (NO in S4), the control unit 21 executes the process of step S2 again. On the other hand, if there is an input (selects character string 80) in step S4 that there is no problem with the video (or still image) (YES in S4), the control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S5 and uploads the patient data including the patient ID and the video (or still image) to the server 4 via the network 5.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a patient image data upload screen in the examination device. The upload screen in FIG. 7 corresponds to a state in which a patient image is selected on the default screen in FIG. 4. The upload screen includes an area 64 for selecting an examination location called "XX Clinic," an image display area 66 for displaying captured patient images, a button 81 displaying the character string "Retake Image" for selecting a second attempt, a medical record number 67, a patient name 68, and a button 70 displaying the character string "Upload" for selecting an action to transmit patient data to the server 4. When the user selects the upload button 70, the control unit 21 transmits the patient data from the communication unit 24 to the server 4 via the network 5. In step S4, if the user selects "Upload" on the screen, the process branches to YES, and if the user selects "Retake Image," the process branches to NO.

[0042] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display during uploading of patient images. When the upload button 70 in Fig. 7 is selected, the screen transitions to the upload screen in Fig. 8. The upload screen displays patient images 82 of the left and right eyes and a progress bar 83 indicating the progress of the upload. Note that a button 84 displaying the text "Next Patient" becomes selectable after the upload is complete.

[0043] 9 shows an example of the screen display when the upload of patient images is complete. When the upload is complete, the progress bar 83 changes to a string 85 that reads "Upload Complete," and a button 84 that displays the string "Next Patient" becomes selectable.

[0044] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display when an upload has failed. If an upload has failed, as shown in Figure 10, a string 86 saying "An error has occurred" and a button 87 instructing re-uploading are displayed below the failed image. By selecting button 87, the image that failed to be uploaded can be re-uploaded.

[0045] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the screen display when data for only one eye is uploaded. If uploading of data for one eye fails as shown in Fig. 10, selecting button 84 to instruct uploading will cause the screen to transition to the screen shown in Fig. 11 after uploading is complete. Note that the screen in Fig. 11 will also be displayed if an image of only one eye is captured and uploaded from the beginning.

[0046] When the uploading of the patient data in step S5 is completed, the processing of the flowchart in Fig. 2 ends. After step S5, the control unit 21 may erase the patient ID and the video (or still image) of the patient's eyes that were temporarily stored in the memory 22 from the memory 22 to prevent information leakage.

[0047] [Explanation of medical support equipment] Fig. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the playback process of patient images in the medical assistance device. In the medical assistance device 3 of Fig. 1, the control unit 31 executes the process shown in Fig. 12. First, in step S11, the control unit 31 requests the user to input an examiner ID and password. When the examiner ID is input, the control unit 31 accesses the server 4, references the patient data corresponding to the input examiner ID, and displays a list of patient names and imaging dates and times on the display unit 33.

[0048] FIG. 13 is an example of a screen displaying a list of patient data. In the example screen of FIG. 13, data of patients photographed at "XX Clinic" is displayed in a list, and patient data can be searched by entering the patient name or patient ID. The list also has areas that display, from left to right, the patient ID, patient name, and photographing date and time. The user can change the display to a screen that plays back patient data by selecting the patient data they want to play back from the list. When patient data is selected, the control unit 31 acquires video data of the selected patient from the server 4 in step S14. Then, in step S15, the control unit 31 plays back and displays the video acquired from the server 4 on the display unit 33. There are several possible types of video playback processing that can be performed here. Below, variations of the video playback processing will be explained one by one.

[0049] 14 is a flowchart for explaining a first example of the video playback process. In this first example of the process, the stopwatch function will be mainly explained. First, in step S21, the control unit 31 displays a patient image on the display unit 33 and displays a stopwatch button.

[0050] Figure 15 is an example screen for explaining the stopwatch function. The left half of the screen shown in Figure 15 will be described, particularly the one related to the stopwatch function. In the left half of the screen, a patient image area 211 for playing back patient images and a stopwatch area 261 are arranged vertically. A mark 212 for instructing playback to be paused is displayed below the patient image area 211, and next to the mark is a slider 213 showing the playback time and total playback time, with circles indicating the progress of playback arranged on a horizontally extending line.

[0051] When the user (examiner) inputs a playback command in step S22, the process proceeds to step S23, where playback of the video begins. As time passes during playback, the playback time displayed on the screen increases, and the position of the circle on the straight line in slider 213 moves from left to right.

[0052] One symptom of dry eye is that even if a lot of tears are produced, the surface of the eye dries out quickly due to poor tear quality. To diagnose this condition, a test to check the quality of tears is performed. This test measures the time it takes from opening the eyes until the tear film on the surface of the eye breaks down (BUT: Break Up Time). If the BUT is shorter than the specified time, dry eye is suspected. While watching a playback image of the patient's video, the examiner measures the time from the moment the patient blinks until the tear film breaks down.

[0053] When the control unit 31 detects that the examiner has operated the stopwatch button (YES in S24), it starts timing in step S25. As time progresses, the time displayed in the stopwatch area 261 increases. Then, when the control unit 31 detects that the examiner has operated the stopwatch button again (YES in S26), it stops timing in step S27. Thereafter, in step S28, playback ends when the total playback time has been reached or an operation to stop playback is performed, and control returns to the flowchart in FIG. 7. By using the stopwatch function, the examiner can easily perform operations on the screen to start timing the moment they blink and stop timing the moment the tear film breaks up, making it possible to measure BUT easily and accurately.

[0054] Figure 16 is a modified example of the screen shown in Figure 15. When data for both the left eye and the right eye is available, a button 65 for selecting the left eye or the right eye may be displayed, as shown in Figure 16, so that the image displayed in the patient image area 211 can be switched.

[0055] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of video playback processing. In this second example of processing, a function for playing back and displaying a patient image and a typical image of dry eye in a manner that allows comparison will be described. First, in step S31, the control unit 31 acquires typical image data from a database pre-stored in the memory 32 of the medical assistance device 3. The typical image data includes still image data and video data. The still image data is used to display thumbnails on an application program. The video data is used to display a video of a thumbnail selected by the user later. Note that the typical image data may also be acquired by accessing the server 4 from the communication unit 34 via the network 5.

[0056] Next, in step S32, the control unit 31 displays the patient image on the display unit 33 and displays a selection button for a typical image of dry eye. The right half of FIG. 15 displays the patient ID, patient name, and image capture date and time, and below that are displayed images 241 to 245 of five types of tear film breakdown patterns observed when the tear film in dry eye disappears. The five types of patterns are called Area, Line, Spot, Dimple, and Random. A mark instructing playback is placed in the lower left of each image. Simplified data for the video of each breakdown pattern is acquired simultaneously with the patient data, so when the examiner commands playback, a small video of the corresponding breakdown pattern is played.

[0057] In step S33, the control unit 31 determines whether any of the five typical images of the destruction patterns displayed on the screen has been selected by the examiner, and if selected (YES in S33), the control unit 31 displays and plays the patient image and the typical image side by side in step S34. Note that the control unit 31 may further obtain and display more detailed data of a moving image or still image corresponding to the image selected in step S33 from the database or server 4 in step S34.

[0058] Fig. 18 is an example of a screen when a typical image is selected. In Fig. 12, the button 231 indicating the destruction pattern name "Area" is selected from the buttons 231 to 236 on the screen of Fig. 10, and a check mark is displayed.

[0059] Figure 19 is an example of a screen displaying a patient image and a typical image side by side. The patient image is displayed in the left half area 211 of Figure 19, and a stopwatch area 261 is displayed below it. Meanwhile, the right half area 221 displays a typical image of the destruction pattern selected by the examiner. By selecting the play button in the stopwatch area 261, the examiner can simultaneously play back and compare the patient image and the typical image side by side. This makes it easy to determine the type of dry eye.

[0060] Returning to FIG. 17, if the examiner compares the patient image with the typical image and determines the diagnosis (YES in S35), in step S35, the control unit 31 displays an explanation screen on the display unit 33 in response to the examiner's operation. For example, on the screens of FIG. 16 or 18, the examiner has selected button 231 indicating Area, so a check mark is displayed. In this state, if button 272 displaying "Go to patient explanation screen" is selected, an explanation screen is displayed on the display unit 33. The examiner can use the explanation screen to explain the current condition of the patient's eyes to the patient.

[0061] Figure 20 is an example of a screen used to explain the diagnosis made by a doctor to a patient. In Figure 18, button 231 indicating Area, which is a tear-deficient breakdown pattern, was selected, so a screen explaining dehydrated dry eye, as shown in Figure 20, is displayed on display unit 33. In this example screen, the left half of area 251 displays a schematic diagram of the tear layer and eye surface condition of a healthy eye, and the right half of area 251 displays a schematic diagram of the tear layer and eye surface condition of a dry eye. When the patient receives an explanation accompanied by such a diagram, the patient is more likely to understand the examiner's explanation.

[0062] In this way, the medical assistance device 3 of this embodiment not only assists in diagnosis but also assists in explaining to the patient. That is, the medical assistance system 1 and the medical assistance device 3 include those that provide diagnostic assistance or explanation assistance to the patient as part of medical treatment.

[0063] Fig. 21 is a flowchart for explaining a third example of video playback processing. In the processing shown in Fig. 17, a patient image and a typical image of dry eye are displayed side by side to serve as reference material for diagnosis or to promote the patient's understanding of the disease, but by displaying a past patient image and a current patient image side by side as in the processing shown in Fig. 21, it is also possible to diagnose the effectiveness of treatment for dry eye symptoms or to explain the disease to the patient.

[0064] First, in step S41, the control unit 31 displays the latest patient image on the display unit 33 and displays selection buttons on the display unit 33 so that data of past patient images can be selected. For example, on the display screen of Fig. 16, when the latest image is displayed and past data of the patient exists in the database, the video history button 271 is displayed and can be selected. In this case, when the video history button 271 is selected, a list of past data is displayed on the display unit 33.

[0065] 22 is a diagram showing an example of a list screen of a patient's past data. Five days' worth of measurement data and diagnosis results are displayed below a medical record number 67 and patient name 68. For each data item, the measurement date and time, break pattern, BUT, check, and selection are displayed from left to right.

[0066] The break pattern display field displays the break patterns for the left and right eyes as determined by the diagnostician. The BUT display field displays the BUT for the left and right eyes as measured by the diagnostician using a stopwatch or other function. The check field is used to mark data from past videos that the diagnostician wishes to check at a later date. The selection field is used to select past data to play on the next screen.

[0067] In step S42, if the examiner selects a past patient image (YES in S42), the control unit 31 acquires data of the patient image selected by the examiner in step S43 from the server 4. Then, in step S44, the latest patient image and the past patient image are displayed or played back side by side on the display unit 33.

[0068] FIG. 23 is an example of a screen displaying the latest patient image and a previous patient image side by side. In FIG. 23, the left half displays the latest patient image taken on July 1, 2020, and the right half displays the previous patient image taken on June 23, 2020. In FIG. 23, button 65 can be used to switch between comparing the right-eye image and the left-eye image. By comparing the two images, the examiner can determine the effectiveness of treatment. Also, by showing the images to the patient, the patient can experience the effectiveness of treatment.

[0069] In the above explanation, it has been assumed that typical images of dry eye are prepared in advance by the creator of the application software and stored in the medical support device 3. However, it is also possible for a server operator to prepare typical images of dry eye and distribute them from the server as needed, replacing the typical images as needed based on the latest information.

[0070] Furthermore, although dry eye has been described as an example of an ophthalmic disease, the medical assistance system and medical assistance device of the present disclosure can also be used to assist in the diagnosis of other ophthalmic diseases.

[0071] (summary) As shown in Fig. 1, the medical assistance device 3 disclosed in this embodiment includes a display unit 33 that displays images, an input unit 35 that inputs user instructions, and a control unit 31 that receives instructions from the input unit 35 and controls the images to be displayed on the display unit 33. As shown in Fig. 13, the control unit 31 causes the display unit 33 to display a patient image area 211 in which a patient's eye is photographed and a dry eye typical image area 221 in a state in which they can be compared. Note that the patient image and the dry eye typical image to be compared are moving images in this embodiment, but they may be either moving images or still images.

[0072] In this way, the medical assistance device 3 displays the patient image in the patient image area 211 and the typical image area 221 in a manner that allows easy comparison between the patient image, thereby enabling the examiner to accurately diagnose ophthalmic diseases.

[0073] In FIG. 19, the patient image area 211 and the typical image area 221 are displayed on one screen, but the two images may be displayed on two screens each.

[0074] Preferably, the control unit 31 controls the display unit 33 to display a plurality of buttons 231 to 235 corresponding to a plurality of types of dry eye symptoms, for example as shown in FIG. 15, and to display a typical image of the symptom corresponding to a button selected by the user using the input unit 35 from among the plurality of buttons 231 to 235, and a patient image side by side.

[0075] By controlling the system in this way, doctors can compare videos of various symptoms and determine which of the multiple symptoms the patient's symptoms fall into. This also enables doctors to prescribe more appropriate medications depending on the patient's symptoms.

[0076] More preferably, the plurality of buttons 231 to 235 include reduced images 241 to 245 of typical images corresponding to the plurality of types of symptoms, respectively. As shown in Fig. 19, when the reduced images 241 to 245 are selected by the user, they are enlarged and displayed at the same magnification as the patient image area 211.

[0077] In this way, the reduced images are displayed within the buttons, making it easy for doctors to understand the correspondence between the multiple representative images and the buttons.

[0078] Preferably, the control unit 31 causes the display unit 33 to display a plurality of buttons 231 to 235 corresponding to a plurality of types of dry eye symptoms, for example, as shown in Fig. 18. The control unit 31 controls the display unit 33 to display, in an area 251 as shown in Fig. 20, an explanation screen for a symptom corresponding to a button selected by the user (having a check mark displayed) from among the plurality of buttons 231 to 235 using the input unit 35.

[0079] In this way, the explanation screen is displayed as needed during the examination, which is very convenient for the doctor to explain the patient's condition.

[0080] Preferably, the images displayed in the patient image area 211 and the typical image area 221 are moving images. The control unit 31 controls the display unit 33 so that, while the moving image of the patient image area 211 is being played back on the display unit 33, a stopwatch area 261 for measuring the time from when the test staining solution is applied to the patient's eye until part of the tear film disappears is displayed alongside the moving image of the patient image area 211, as shown in FIG. 15 etc.

[0081] In this way, the patient image and the stopwatch are displayed side by side, so that the doctor can see the patient image and the stopwatch at the same time.

[0082] More preferably, the stopwatch displayed in the stopwatch area 261 starts timing in response to a timing start command input by the user using the input unit 35 during video playback of the patient image area 211, and ends timing in response to a timing end command.

[0083] In this way, doctors can measure the time with a stopwatch while playing back the video, allowing them to measure the BUT accurately.

[0084] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a medical assistance system 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the medical assistance system 1 includes any one of the above-described medical assistance devices 3 and a server 4 that stores patient image data to be displayed in a patient image area 211 and typical image data to be displayed in a typical image area 221. A control unit 31 is configured to read out the patient image data and the typical image data from the server 4 in response to an input from an input unit 35.

[0085] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a program that causes a control unit 31, which is a computer, to control a display unit 33 that displays images and an input unit 35 that inputs user instructions. The program causes the computer to receive an instruction from the input unit 35 to identify patient image data obtained by photographing a patient's eye, and to display the patient image data and typical image data of dry eye on the display unit 33 in a state that allows them to be compared.

[0086] (Variation 1) In this embodiment, the images compared are a patient image and a typical image of dry eye. However, as shown in FIGS. 21 to 23 , multiple patient images 401, 402 captured at different times, such as a currently captured patient image 401 and a previously captured patient image 402, may be displayed for comparison. This allows the effectiveness of treatment to be confirmed over time. A modified example of this case relates to a medical assistance device including a display unit 33 that displays images, an input unit 35 that inputs user instructions, and a control unit 31 that receives instructions from the input unit 35 and controls the images to be displayed on the display unit 33. As shown in FIG. 23 , the control unit 31 displays multiple patient images 401, 402 captured of a patient's eyes on the display unit 33 in a manner that allows them to be compared. These multiple patient images 401, 402 were captured at different times.

[0087] In another aspect, this modified example relates to a program that causes a computer to control the display unit 33 that displays images and the input unit 35 that inputs user instructions. The program causes the computer (CPU 31) to receive an instruction from the input unit 35 to identify multiple patient images 401, 402 of a patient's eyes, and to display the multiple patient images 401, 402 on the display unit 33 in a manner that allows them to be compared.

[0088] (Variation 2) In this embodiment, the patient image and the typical image of dry eye are compared. However, instead of the typical image of dry eye, a typical image of a healthy eye may be compared. FIG. 24 shows an example of a screen displaying data of a healthy eye and a patient eye in comparison. This can help patients understand their own symptoms. A variant of this case relates to a medical assistance device including a display unit 33 that displays images, an input unit 35 that inputs user commands, and a control unit 31 that receives the commands from the input unit 35 and controls the images displayed on the display unit 33. The control unit 31 displays a patient image 401, which is a photograph of the patient's eye, and a typical image 402 of a healthy eye on the display unit 33 in a manner that allows them to be compared.

[0089] In another aspect, this modified example relates to a program that causes a computer to control the display unit 33 that displays images and the input unit 35 that inputs user instructions. The program causes the computer (CPU 31) to receive an instruction from the input unit 35 to identify a patient image obtained by photographing a patient's eye, and to display the patient image 401 and a typical image 402 of a healthy eye on the display unit 33 in a state where they can be compared.

[0090] The diagnostic results described above may be aggregated for each clinic. Fig. 25 shows an example of an aggregation screen. For example, when a period is entered and a narrowing down button is selected, the total number of patients, the number of first-time consultations, and the number of follow-up consultations for the specified period are displayed, as shown in the example screen of Fig. 25, and each break pattern and the number of cases may be displayed as the diagnostic results.

[0091] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1 Medical support system, 2 Examination device, 3 Medical support device, 4 Server, 5 Network, 21, 31 Control unit, 22, 32 Memory, 23, 33 Display unit, 24, 34 Communication unit, 25, 35 Input unit, 26 Slit lamp, 27 Camera, 211 Patient image area, 221 Typical image area, 65, 69, 70, 81, 84, 87, 231-235, 271 Button, 241-245 Reduced image, 76, 213 Slider, 83 Progress bar, 251 Explanation screen, 261 Stopwatch area.

Claims

1. a display unit for displaying an image; an input unit for inputting a user's command; a control unit that receives the command from the input unit and controls an image to be displayed on the display unit, The control unit displays a patient image of the patient's eye and a typical image of dry eye on the display unit in a manner that allows comparison.

2. 2. The medical assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the display unit to display a plurality of buttons corresponding to a plurality of types of dry eye symptoms, and to display a typical image of a symptom corresponding to a button selected by the user using the input unit among the plurality of buttons side by side with the patient image.

3. 3. The medical support device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of buttons include reduced images of typical images corresponding to the plurality of types of symptoms, and when the reduced images are selected by the user, the reduced images are enlarged and displayed at the same magnification as the patient image.

4. 2. The medical assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the display unit to display a plurality of buttons corresponding to a plurality of types of dry eye symptoms, and to display an explanatory screen for the symptom corresponding to a button selected by the user using the input unit from among the plurality of buttons.

5. the patient image and the representative image are moving images; 2. The medical support device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the display unit to display a stopwatch alongside the patient image for measuring the time from when the test staining solution is applied to the patient's eye until a portion of the tear film disappears while the patient image is being played back as a video on the display unit.

6. 6. The medical support device according to claim 5, wherein the stopwatch starts timing in response to a timing start command input by the user using the input unit during playback of the moving image of the patient image, and ends timing in response to a timing end command.

7. a display unit for displaying an image; an input unit for inputting a user's command; a control unit that receives the command from the input unit and controls an image to be displayed on the display unit, The control unit causes the display unit to display a patient image of the patient's eye and a typical image of a healthy eye in a manner that allows comparison.

8. A medical support device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; A medical assistance system comprising a server that stores the patient images, The control unit is configured to read out the patient image from the server in response to an input from the input unit.

9. A program that causes a computer to control a display unit that displays an image and an input unit that inputs a user's command, receiving a command from the input unit to identify a patient image of the patient's eye; and displaying the patient image and a typical image of dry eye on the display unit in a manner that allows comparison between the patient image and the typical image of dry eye.

10. A program that causes a computer to control a display unit that displays an image and an input unit that inputs a user's command, receiving a command from the input unit to identify a patient image of the patient's eye; and displaying the patient image and a typical image of a healthy eye on the display unit in a manner that allows them to be compared.

Images